Welcome, and thanks for visiting the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement!

 

As an institution, AU is committed to advancing social justice and civic responsibility, and we’re at the front lines of that effort. At the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement – or CLCE – we lead the AU community into the world to serve. From projects around DC to trips abroad, we stand with a university dedicated to improving lives in our global community.

We support any member of the AU family trying to become engaged in social issues. Alternative Breaks offer domestic and international field experience to students and staff, while our DC Reads program allows students to improve literacy in Washington, DC. Our Freshman Service Experience pairs hundreds of incoming students with DC’s many nonprofit organizations, connecting these students – through service – with their new home and the issues facing it.

Over 3000 AU undergraduate students volunteer each year, and there’s still more work to be done. If you’re already a member of the AU community, we invite you to help advance our campaign for social justice and civic engagement. If you’re considering AU for your studies, we hope you’ll join us at a university that truly puts ideas into action and action into service.

Partner with the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement

Got an Idea for a Program or Want to See Something Different on Campus?

We want to hear from you! Student Affairs programs and activities are designed to help you make the most of your AU experience — connecting what you learn in the classroom with the vibrant life of our community. 

The Center for Leadership and Community Engagement (CLCE) is committed to cultivating leadership, fostering community engagement, and creating meaningful partnerships across the American University campus and beyond. We welcome and encourage collaborations with student organizations, academic departments, university offices, and community partners. If you’re planning a program, event, initiative, or project that aligns with our mission, please review the details below and submit a request.

To partner with CLCE, your proposal must meet the following criteria:

• Be hosted at or by American University.

• Align with CLCE’s focus on leadership development, community engagement, civic & social responsibility.

• Be inclusive and open to the AU community (or the intended broader audience, if clearly defined).

• Be sponsored by a recognized student organization, an AU office/department, or a registered community partner.

Types of Collaboration/Co-Sponsorship

Level	Description	Typical Timeline
Marketing Support	We’ll help promote your event/initiative through our channels (email lists, social media, website)	At least 2 weeks before event
Programmatic Support	In addition to promotion, CLCE staff will consult or co-facilitate in some part of the event (e.g., workshop, panel, leadership activity).	At least 3 weeks before event
Financial/Logistical Support	CLCE may provide funding (within availability), and help with logistics.	At least 4 weeks before event

 

Additional Requirements

If approved, partners may be asked to:

• Include the CLCE logo on all promotional materials.

• Share a copy of your flyer/graphic and event link with CLCE once finalized.

• Provide a brief summary or outcome report to CLCE after the event/initiative.

• Attend a short debrief or reflection meeting with CLCE staff (optional but encouraged).

How to Apply

1. Complete the CLCE Collaboration Request Form.

2. A CLCE staff member will review your submission and respond within 3 business days.

3. If approved, we’ll send you next steps, timelines, and any required assets (e.g., logo, branding guidelines).

4. Work closely with CLCE staff to finalize promotion, logistics, and execution.